BEARS BITS

Bears' Matt Forte limited in 1st half by foot injury

December 12, 2008|BY FRED MITCHELL and David Haugh and Vaughn McClure contributed to this report

Matt Forte gave Bears fans a scare when he left for the sideline after his first carry of the game Thursday night.

Saints defensive end Will Smith tackled the prolific rookie running back for no gain in front of the Bears' bench, and Forte injured the big toe on his right foot. He retreated to the locker room and was replaced by Adrian Peterson before returning with 10 minutes 38 seconds left in the second period.

Forte scored on a 1-yard run with 7:42 left before halftime to give the Bears a 14-7 lead, but he finished the first half with just 8 yards on four carries.

Enough Ced: Cedric Benson believes he could have gained 1,800 yards if he had the holes to run through that Forte has had this season, the former Bears running back told NFL.com.

"He's having a great year, but when I see the highlights, I see holes," Benson, now with the Bengals, told writer Thomas George. "I see them using him in the slot, something they didn't do with me. If I was there right now, with the holes I see, I probably would have 1,800 yards right now. I definitely would have 1,500 by now. I congratulate him on his success. He is taking advantage."

Forte entered the game with 1,081 yards rushing and 395 receiving.

Money time: Much has been made about Kyle Orton's next contract, if the Bears extend his deal after this season, but his current contract could get richer if he meets certain statistical incentives.

Orton can earn an additional $1.5 million if certain achievable escalators regarding playing time, completion percentage and touchdown passes are triggered, according to a blog on NFL.com.

Back in action: Running back Kevin Jones was active for the first time in five games, and the Bears used him on special teams.

The Bears also activated defensive tackle Matt Toeaina for the first time this season, likely as insurance with Tommie Harris battling knee and hamstring issues.